PS 635 

,; Z9 " 4 5be U/izard Series. 

Copy 1 

The Last Coat. 

COMEDY IN ONE ACT. 

CHARACTERS.) 



EDGCOME. 




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in order to save the troublesome copying of parts, 
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THE ROXBURY PUBLISHING COMPANY, 

7 Bible House. 

P. O. Box 1870. NEW YORK. 



Copyright iSgg, by the Roxbury Pub. Co 



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51?e U/izard Series. 

The Last Coat. 



COMEDY IN ONE ACT. 

(MALE CHARACTERS.) 

BY 

JOHN EDGCOME. 



Price, 30 Cents. 

in order to save the troublesome copying of parts, 
Five Copies are Sold for $1.00. 



The purchase of this play includes permission for performance 
by amateurs; for performance on the professional stage arrange- 
ments must be made with the publishers. 
I 



THE ROXBURY PUBLISHING COMPANY, 
7 Bible House, 

P. O. Box 1870. NEW YORK. 



Copyright i8qg, by the Roxbury Pub. Co. 









L-64 



TMP96-007262 



THE LAST COAT. 



DRAMATIS PERSON/E. 

THOMAS DANA, Painter. 
RICHARD WAGNEER, Musician, 
WOLFGANG GOETH, Poet. 
JONES, Landlord. 
ISAAC, Clothes Dealer. 



The actors representing Thomas, Richard and Wolf- 
gang must be of different sizes, Thomas medium-sized, 
Richard tall and stout, Wolfgang short and thin. The 
coats must be of different styles and colors, to make the 
exchange of ownership in the last act more striking. 



The scene represents a poorly furnished room ; in front, 
to the right, a window ; at the back a door ; to the left of 
the door a bed ; on the same side of the room a leather 
lounge, in front of which is a medium-sized table; to the 
right another table and two chairs ; in the back of the 
room a broken chair and a small trunk. Thomas is lying 
on the lounge, Richard is stretched out on the two chairs, 
and Wolfgang is in the bed. 

THOMAS [dreaming]. Italy — heavenly land 

RICHARD [dreaming]. Music— art divine 

WOLFGANG [dreaming]. Be not angry, beautiful 

lady 

THOMAS [still dreaming]. Splendid — my new picture 
— the very scene ! 

RICHARD [still dreaming]. Now, very piano 

WOLFGANG [still dreaming]. Make haste, my child; 
the scene is wild ; danger, I fear, now lurks quite near. 

RICHARD [still dreaming]. Now, then, quick, the 
drum-strike (very loud), bum! bum! bum! 

WOLFGANG [still sleeping, falls out of bed calling]. 
Help! help! 



2 THE LAST COAT. 

RICHARD and THOMAS [awakening]. What's the 
matter? What has happened? 

WOLFGANG [awakening]. Where am I? 

THOMAS. On the floor, by your bed. 

WOLFGANG. Strange! I'm sure I got into it. 

RICHARD. Most likely you composed a tragedy again 
in your dreams and tragically fell out of your bed. 

WOLFGANG [sitting up, excitedly]. Yes yes, I was 
dreaming. Oh, such a jeautiful dream ! So romantic ! 
Yet so awful ! Just the material for a tragedy. I was 
stretched out dreamily, in a shady spot on the green field. 
Near by I heard the babbling of a brook, overhead the 
sighing of the wind through the rustling leaves, in the 
distance the lowing of the kine. 

THOMAS. How very sad ! 

WOLFGANG. No, only ideal ; but now comes the trag- 
edy. Suddenly I heard hurrying footsteps, then such 
cries of despair, in a sweet, girlish voice. I sprang to 
my feet and looked, helplessly, around. Nearer and nearer 
came the despairing cries, until at last my searching eyes 
beheld a young girl of rare beauty, her hair and dress 
fluttering in the wind as she seemed to skim through the 
air. I opened my arms to catch her and shelter her, when, 
with a startled, wild look, and the cry, "A bull ! a bull !" 
she fell fainting on the ground, and behind her came trot- 
ting a peaceful cow. 

RICHARD. And you were the bull? 

WOLFGANG. No ! Oh, no ! She thought the peace- 
ful cow was a wild bull. 

THOMAS. And the tragedy? 

WOLFGANG. That's simple enough. The poor girl 
dies from fear of the wild beast, and the tragedy is fin- 
ished. 

THOMAS [patting Wolfgang on the back]. May your 
good genius ever remain true to you. Only be careful 
lest your patient Pegasus also fly from the bull ! 

RICHARD. To change the subject, boys, I'm ''dead 
broke." 

THOMAS. Shake hands, old fellow. I, too am "badly 
bent !" 

RICHARD. And you, too, Brutus? Well, then, Wolf- 
gang must come to our rescue. 

WOLFGANG. My only wealth lies in my verse ! 

THOMAS. Oh gruesome fate! Three such artists, 
and not a penny amongst them ! 

RICHARD. I have the appetite of a cannibal. 

THOMAS. I, too have a strange desire to eat. 



THE LAST COAT. 3 

RICHARD. Let's think whom we can touch for a loan 
or for something to appease our hunger. 

THOMAS. It will have to be a stranger, then ! No 
acquaintance would be "touched!" 

RICHARD. We must try our luck ! Come, Tom, we're 
more practical than Wolfgang, the great poet of the future ! 
Wolfgang Goeth— he only requires the final "e" to make 
him the greatest poet of Germany. 

WOLFGANG [ironically]. Spare me an "e" from 
your name, Richard; we should both be benefited You'd 
be Richard Wagner and I Wolfgang Goethe. 

THOMAS. Good retort. Wolfgang. But your puns 
won't satisfy my hunger. I prefer buns as more to the 
point! Let's see— something to eat I must have; I don't 
care what the cost — if only I get it on credit. 

RICHARD. Well, then, forward march, Thomas. We 
will offer ourselves for sacrifice. You go to the right ; I to 
the left. We will go into a shop where we are as yet 
unknown. Each will order a pound' of sausage. 

WOLFGANG. I prefer ham. As it's to be bought on 
credit, why study the price? 

RICHARD. We'll take what we can get. Now, Thom- 
as, when they bring your order put your hand in your 
pocket for money to pay the bill ; then looking very much 
astonished and annoyed, you must beg pardon nicely, say- 
ing you foolishly forgot your pocketbook. Take your little 
parcel and promise to send the maid around immediately 
to pay the trifle. Be sure to say trifle ; it will give them 
more confidence in your ability to pay; and don't forget 
to say you'll send the maid ; that, too, sounds well. Now, 
let's see who'll fall in the trap ! 

THOMAS. Hurrah for your brilliant idea! We still 
make a very respectable appearance and should inspire 
confidence. I mustn't forget "trifle" and "maid." Thereon 
hangs our fate. 

RICHARD. Let's be off, one to the right, one to the 
left. [Each takes up a stovepipe hat.] 

WOLFGANG. Don't forget the ham. and see that it's 
not too fat! 

THOMAS. If possible, we'll have a pig roasted for 
your 'special benefit ! [Exit Richard and Thomas. 

WOLFGANG [alone]. What faithful, noble souls! 
How they try to look after my comfort! They'll even 
try to get me ham on "tick" ! It isn't exactly nice to cheat 
people— but one must eat! I shall be very careful to 
remember every address where we now obtain our daily 
bread. Then when my new tragedy is finished I will pay 



4 THE LAST COAT. 

the bills for all. Eleven tragedies are now ready for 
representation, but I have not disposed of one ! I shall try 
once more, and if my new tragedy is not a success I shall 
write a comedy ! Material I have already ; if not enough. 
mv wits will furnish more. [A knock at the door.] I 
suppose that's a dunner. I'm not at home! [A louder 
knock.] He seems pretty determined to get in ! [Another 
knock, and Isaac partly opens the door and puts his 
head in.] 

ISAAC. Any cash clo'es to sell— old coats, pants, hats, 
shoes ? 

WOLFGANG. No ! 

ISAAC. I bays you de highest brizes for any old cash 
clo'es. Will you joost find me somedings? 

WOLFGANG. My friend, there's nothing more to find. 

ISAAC [entering, aside]. Friend! He calls me friend! 
So he'll not be for budding me out. [Aloud]. I buys 
everydings — old shoes old linens 

WOLFGANG. Everything I have is old, but I have 
nothing more to sell. 

ISAAC. You wish for no money? 

WOLFGANG. Would you like to lend me some? 

ISAAC. Oh ! lend ! I bays you de highest brizes when 
you have somedings to sell ; but lending — that's a beezness 
where one is never sure of de costs ! 

WOLFGANG [reflects for a moment]. Perhaps, after 
all, you can buy something from me. I shall give it to 
you very cheap! 

ISAAC. See, dere is always a leedle beezness to be 
done when one has a leedle batience, and obens de door 
again when it is in one's face somedimes shut. I have 
been so long in de beezness, I have much oxberience. I 
have been up de front steps of de rich beeble's houses, and 
when de servants dold me, not too bolidely, to get out, I 
went up de back stairs and bought from the madam herself 
many fine clo'es for leedle money ! 

WOLFGANG [having in the meantime taken a large 
package of manuscript from the closet, hands it to Isaac]. 
Here, my good fellow ! 

ISAAC. And what shall I do mid dat baper? 

WOLFGANG. They are eleven tragedies! 

ISAAC [weighing the package]. It is a bidy it is wrid- 
den on ; so it is worth nodings. 

WOLFGANG. What! all my work— the fruit of my 
thoughts ! 

ISAAC. My young chendleman, I am an old man and 
I haf also thoughd a gread deal in my life; bud if I had 



THE LAST COAT. 5 

bud it all on some baber nobody would haf gifen me a 
benny. But if I haf a leedle baber from a bank mid some 
nice leedle figures and a goot signature, and den I can say 
dad baber is word so and so much moneys ! 

WOLFGANG. Beside the papers I have nothing I can 
spare. 

ISAAC [feeling Wolfgang's coat]. What would de 
young chendleman like for his coat? 

WOLFGANG [astonished]. For this coat? 

ISAAC [still feeling the ccat]. It is olt and vorn much, 
but as you haf noding else, and want a leedle money, 1 will 
take it. 

WOLFGANG. But I cannot 

ISAAC. And does it den not belong to you? Is it 
berhabs on credid? 

WOLFGANG. No, not that ; but 

ISAAC. What do you want for dis coat? It has been 
worn a long dime [unbuttoning it], de lining, too, is very 
din — bud I won't be mean; I will gif you — sixty cents, eh? 

WOLFGANG [aside]. My only coat— I can't sell all 
my clothes. 

ISAAC. And whad do you say — sixty cents? Dat is a 
big brize ! 

WOLFGANG [aside]. If my good friends return with- 
out anything to eat, I should be so glad to have sixty cents 
to give them. 

ISAAC. Veil, I dell you ; for you I vill make id seventy 
cents. 

WOLFGANG [aside]. Seventy cents! But how could 
I go without a coat? 

ISAAC. If you dond vish to sell it — I can gif you no 
more. I bay de highest brizes of anybody in de beezness. 
I mean it veil by you. If you want a leedle money I vill 
dake de coat, though I very likely vill make nodings on it. 

Veil, if you dond want to sell it [Goes toward the 

door.] 

WOLFGANG [aside]. Richard or Thomas could lend 
me their coat; we needn't all go out at once. 

ISAAC [turning around]. Veil, den, I tells you whad. 
I dond want to leef widoud doing a leedle beezness, so I 
vill gif you eighty cents ; but I vill be losing my money on 
it. It is nod in de fashion ; I vill mosd likely haf to wear 
it myself. 

WOLFGANG. Well, take the coat ! 

ISAAC [quickly pulling at Wolfgang's coat sleeve], 
Dake it off, den — and vhy you hesidade to sell an old coat 
like dad for — how much did I say — sixty cents? 



6 THE LAST COAT. 

WOLFGANG. Oh, no ! You said eighty cents. 

ISAAC. Eighty cents— it is a bad bargain— I vill make 
nodings. [Gives Wolfgang the money.] Eighty cents! 
Dad is much money. [Takes the coat on his arm.] Ven 
you haf somedings else what you want to sell, joost come 
to old Isaac. I bays de highest brizes. I lif joost around 
de corner to de lefd, de second shop. Bud dond make no 
misdake — to de righd and to de lefd of me lif also some 
cash clo'es dealers, bud day vill cheat you like Jews. Bud 
if you come to Isaac he vill dreat you like a Christian and 
bay de highest brizes. And if you wants to buy somedings, 
come also to Isaac — no one can sell so sheap as me — so 
good and so sheap. Joost you come always to Isaac. 

[Exit Isaac. 

WOLFGANG. A capital of eighty cents ! We haven't 
seen so much money for ages ; but now my wardrobe is re- 
duced to such a state that I can no longer make my appear- 
ance in public ! Why worry? The tide must turn — better 
days must be in store for me. All my hopes now lie in 
my new tragedy. 

[Enter Thomas in his shirt sleeves, his hat crushed.] 

WOLFGANG [looking at Thomas in amazement]. 
Why, Thomas, what a sight you are! 

THOMAS. A sacrifice to friendship! 

WOLFGANG. What has happened? 

THOMAS. They beat me ! 

WOLFGANG. Poor friend! 

THOMAS [irritated]. Thanks for your pity. Your 
ham is the cause of it all ! 

WOLFGANG. Do tell me how it happened ! 

THOMAS. Perhaps you'll find the tale amusing! I 
go to the first delicatessen store and ask for bologna saus- 
age — liver sausage and ham, a pound of each. They wel- 
come me as a new customer and treat me with the greatest 
respect. Now comes the critical time — settling! After a 
fruitless search through all my pockets, I beg pardon and 
say I have unfortunately forgotten my pocketbook and 
promise to send the maid around immediately to pay the 
trifle. A most successful plan ! In the politest way pos- 
sible they relieve me of my parcel, the delicious contents 
of which I was almost tasting, saying: "We will give it 
to the maid when she comes with the change, as it is not 
our rule to give credit; we trust it will not prevent our 
having the honor of your custom in the future." Oh, the 



irony 



THE LAST COAT. J 

WOLFGANG. And my hunger! 

THOMAS. I have lost my appetite. In live shops I 
was treated in the same way. I had already walked quite 
a distance when I came to the sixth delicatessen store and 
ordered with the greatest facility bologna sausage, liver 
sausage and ham. I noticed a queer expression on the 
man's face and saw one of the clerks make toward the 
door. I felt a little queer, but kept my presence of mind 
and in the most innocent way searched through my pockets. 
Glances of misgiving had ere this been exchanged, over 
the counter, between the man serving me and the one at the 
• door. I was asked in the most sarcastic tones if perhaps 
I had forgotten my pocketbook and would send the maid 
to pay the trifle ! "That trick won't work here," they 
said. "Such a customer has been here before." Just as 
I was going to make some further excuse, I felt the 
strength of some fists, my stovepipe was crushed over my 
eyes. It was night around me. and I saw stars. Then I 
distinctly felt some kicks, and found myself out on the 
curbstone, where I was gleefully received by a gang of 
street gamins. I hurriedly left the scene of my disgrace 
and insult, and took refuge in the nearest respectable 
house, where with delight I heard a friendly voice once 
more. The words still ring in my ears: "Haf you any 
cash clo'es to sell?" 

WOLFGANG. You haven't 

THOMAS. See what I have done for my friends. To 
satisfy your hungry craving for food I have parted with 
my last coat. Here is the money — seventy cents! Now 
make haste and buy some provisions, for without a coat I 
will not cross again the threshold of the house ! 

WOLFGANG. Oh, you unfortunate man, what have 
you done? My coat, too. has already gone tne way of all 
flesh — and here we are. eighty cents. 

THOMAS [touched]. You have also sacrificed your 
coat for us? You're a noble fellow ! Shake hands ! Now 
Richard must be our housekeeper. 

[Richard enters, coatless, with his hat battered just 
as Thomas had returned. Wolfgang and Thomas 
hurry toward him, stopping suddenly.] 

THOMAS [in despair]. You, too 

WOLFGANG. In your shirt sleeves. 

THOMAS. You have 

WOLFGANG. Sold your coat ! 

THOMAS and WOLFGANG [each sinking into a 
chair]. The very last! 



8 THE LAST COAT. 

THOMAS. r Richard, how could you be so thoughtless ? 

RICHARD.' You need not take me to task, when you're 
to blame for everything. 

THOMAS. And how, may I ask? 

RICHARD. Why didn't you stay in your own quarter ? 
After I had tried in vain in many shops to buy the things 
on credit, I unluckily entered one where you already had 
tried the trick, and with blows and kicks was returned into 
the fresh air. There, look at my hat ! My poor stovepipe ! 
It's ruined ! Rather than let you die of hunger I sold my 
last coat. Here is the money, sixty cents, which I suc- 
ceeded, after much trouble, in getting for it. 

THOMAS. Now we have money and can't go out to 
buy the food. 

WOLFGANG. Brrrr ! I'm shivering ! 

THOMAS. Wrap yourself up in your tragedies ! 

RICHARD. Don't joke, boys; the situation is too seri- 
ous. Who is going to do the buying? 

WOLFGANG. I'm not going out of the house in my 
shirt sleeves. It would be the death of me ! 

RICHARD. Well, I suppose I'll have to sacrifice myself 
again. As soon as it's dark I will go out. Give me the 
combined capital. I shall henceforth be your banker. 

WOLFGANG. Here are my eighty cents; but do be 
sparing of them ! 

THOMAS. Here are seventy cents — sum total for a 
three years' faithful coat. 

RICHARD. Add my sixty cents, and we have a capital 
of two dollars and ten cents. We'll rival Rothschild. 

THOMAS. I suppose there's no chance to-day of 
bologna sausage, liver sausage and ham. 

RICHARD. No ; you'll have frankfurter and dry bread 
this evening. 

THOMAS. Even that is not to be scorned. 

WOLFGANG. Especially when one has been without 
food as long as I. 

THOMAS. Well, to-day you shall satisfy the hunger 
of a ravenous wolf! 

[Jones, small and bent, enters suddenly.] 

JONES. I'm sorry to trouble you gentlemen. 

THOMAS. Our esteemed landlord. 

RICHARD. To what do we owe this delightful sur- 
prise? 

WOLFGANG. Won't you be seated? [All three bring 
forward chairs.] 

JONES. No. thank you I 



THE LAST COAT. Q 

THOMAS, WOLFGANG and RICHARD [drawing 
away the chairs]. Excuse us! 

JONES. What we have to arrange can be done as well 
standing. 

THOMAS. But you don't wish to deprive us of our 
rest, so do let's be seated. Wolfgang, bring our obliging 
landlord the wooden armchair. 

WOLFGANG [bringing the chair]. Please be seated. 

RICHARD. Tom and I will take the other chairs. You. 
Wolfgang, are the lightest, so you may sit on the box. 

[Jones seats himself in the middle. Richard to the 
right, Thomas to the left. Wolfgang on a box beside 
Thomas.] 

THOMAS. And now, respected sir with the silver 
locks, begin. 

JONES. You'd better keep your remarks to yourself; 
my business is not with you. 

THOMAS. I'm very sorry. 

JONES, [to Richard]. I wish to know, Mr. Wagneer, 
what right you have to make the room I rented, to you 
alone, an asylum for the homeless. 

RICHARD. That's an impertinent question. I suppose 
I can do with my room what I please! 

JONES. Not at all. I rented the room to one gentle- 
man, and here are three living in it ! 

RICHARD. While I have a room my friends may 
share it! 

JONES. And ruin my furniture. 

THOMAS. Do you call the old plunder furniture? 

JONES. If you were only able to pay for the old plun- 
der. I have had no money from you for three months ! 

RICHARD. It's been much longer than that since I've 
had any. 

JONES. My patience is now at an end. Either you 
will pay me to-morrow noon or clear out your things. 

THOMAS. What shall we clear out? There's nothing 
left in it. 

RICHARD. Don't be impatient, my dear Mr. Jones. 
You will get your money, even if I have to pay it myself. 
Just at present it is impossible. 

JONES. I will no longer take empty promises; I must 
see some money. 

THOMAS. Then why don't you look in your pocket- 
book? 

JONES. Be so good as to keep your bright remarks 
to yourself. Not another day will I give credit. 



10 THE LAST COAT. 

RICHARD. Perhaps you can give us some good advice. 
Say, my dear Mr. Jones, don't you happen to know a tailor 
who would make us each a suit on credit. You could make 
yourself responsible. You see, we have no clothes ; our 
last coats were sold this morning. 

JONES. What ! You dared to sell anything ! You have 
no right to dispose of a single article. I claim everything 
for my rent. 

THOMAS. Keep cool, my good fellow ! Before to- 
morrow noon we'll sell what clothes still remain on our 
backs, then we'll see if the police permit you to put us 
in the street. 

JONES [furiously]. You will give up the room imme- 
diately, or pay me my rent ! 

RICHARD. Why so excited, my good-natured host? 

THOMAS. Why not live pleasantly together? 

WOLFGANG. It is so consoling to have a friend, in- 
deed. 

JONES [angrily, getting up]. The deuce be your friend, 
friend. 

THOMAS. We love you so dearly. 

RICHARD. We respect you like — our mother-in-law. 

[Jones sneezes.] 

ALL. Bless you! 

JONES. Thank you. [Draws handkerchief from his 
pocket, letting fall a letter.] It seems cold here. 

THOMAS. It seems so to me, too; you might have a 
fire lit. 

RICHARD [picking up a letter]. You have dropped 
something, Mr. Jones. [Reading the address.] Why. it's 
for me ! 

JONES [frightened] For you? 

RICHARD. Yes, for me. Can't you read? Here is 
written very plainly, "Richard Wagneer, Esq." 

JONES. I must have quite overlooked it. 

THOMAS. What kind of a letter is it? 

JONES. Most likely a bill or collector's letter. 

RICHARD. You're mistaken, old man. It's an invi- 
tation frpm Judge Smith. Listen, friends ; it's the turning 
point of our luck. [Reading]. "I hope to have the pleas- 
ure of your company Thursday evening, the 12th, at eight 
o'clock. Bring your friends, Mr. Wagneer and Mr. Dana. 
I have invited some people whom I would like you to 
meet." Boys, we are saved! 

THOMAS. Thursday, the 12th. Why, man, that's to- 
day! 



THE LAST COAT. II 

RICHARD. You're right! I have only received the 
letter to-day [examining the envelope], though it arrived 
on the 5th! Mr. Jones, how has that happened? 
JONES [embarrassed]. I really don't know. 
RICHARD. You must know; the letter was given to 
you, and you intended to intercept it! 

JONES. Permit me 

RICHARD. I will permit you nothing. Do you know 
what this invitation is worth? At least one thousand 
dollars to each of us ! Do you know who Judge Smith is? 
No, you don't, or you would hardly have intercepted the 
letter! Besides being a judge, he is a man thoroughly 
understanding art, and likes to take young artists under his 
protection and help them gain a foothold. An invitation 
to spend the evening with him is the first step toward 
success and wealth ! His influence is sufficient to make our 
path in life smooth for the future.- Such an invitation you 
have tried to intercept ! For shame, Mr. Jones ! 

JONES. But 

THOMAS. Here are three young artists, almost in 
despair, hungry, thirsty, obliged to sell our last coats to 
obtain a little money; while you have carried in your 
pocket for eight days the letter inviting us to partake of all 
kinds of good things to satisfy hunger and thirst, besides 
containing prospects of a bright future! For shame, for 
shame! 

JONES. But It is not too ' te ; the invitation is 

for this evening. 

THOMAS. Do you expect us to go in our shirt sleeves ? 
Had we received the letter sooner we would not have 
sold the last coat we possessed. 

RICHARD. You shall pay damages for the interception 
of that letter! Either you must give us a sufficient sum 
of money to enable us each to buy a new coat or I shall 
have you up in court for intercepting a letter. 

JONES. Do be reasonable. 

RICHARD. Only a reasonable amount of money will 
satisfy me. 

THOMAS. The interception of the letter will cost you 
a nice sum yet. 

RICHARD. I could sue you for a year s salary for a 
position lost through your interception of the letter 

THOMAS. And I'll sue for the price of a half dozen 
paintings, which I'm sure would have been ordered to- 

ni WOLFGANG. And I'll sue for the worth of my latest 
tragedv. 



12 THE LAST COAT. 

JONES. But you can yet be in time. 

RICHARD. The invitation is for eight o'clock to-night. 

JONES. It is only half-past six. 

RICHARD. But where will we get coats? 

JONES. I will put my wardrobe at your disposal. 

THOMAS. Do you wish to insult us ? 

RICHARD. We're not going to a masquerade ball ! 
No, there is but one way you can atone, or else I shall 
take it to the courts. You must receipt my bill for the 
room rent, and pay me besides twenty dollars, with which 
to obtain new coats ! 

JONES [speechless]. Twenty dollars! 

RICHARD. That, or go to court. 

THOMAS. Which will surely mean three years' im- 
prisonment. 

RICHARD. Choose. 

JONES. But, really, Mr. Wagneer, I do not possess so 
much money! 

RICHARD. The money or the court ! 

JONES. Where can a poor man get twenty dollars? I 
will give you all that I have by me. 

RICHARD. How much is that? 

JONES [handing his pocketbook to Richard]. Look for 
yourself. 

RICHARD [taking the pocketbook]. It feels rather 
light. [Opening it]. Oh! I see money ! What a delight- 
ful sight! Five dollars — six dollars — eight dollars! 

THOMAS [delighted]. Eight dollars! 

JONES [sadly]. A fortune! 

RICHARD. Well, we'll be generous and take the few 
dollars ! 

JONES. Is our affair now settled? 

RICHARD. No, not quite. 

JONES. What more do you ask? 

RICHARD. Please sign this. [Writing.] "Received 
from Richard Wagneer, room rent to January ist." 

JONES. To the first of January? 

RICHARD. Yes, and then we'll move out ! 

JONES. Not an hour after the first of January shall 
you remain in my house. [Signs.] There, now, ask me 
nothing more ! 

RICHARD. No ; now you may go. 

THOMAS [opening the door]. Your visit has been a 
great pleasure ! 

JONES. Not to me! [Aside]. No rent, besides pay- 
ing eight dollars cash! I shall never again rent rooms to 
bachelors ! The only thing now is to raise the rent on 



THE LAST COAT. 13 

my other lodgers. [Aloud]. I suppose you'll eat so much 
to-night that I may yet have the expense of burying you. 

[Exit Jones. 

RICHARD. Hurrah ! It was successful ! 

WOLFGANG. Where's the money-? 

RICHARD. Here ; look to your heart's content. 

WOLFGANG. How long I have been deprived of the 
consoling sight of such a sum! 

RICHARD. The main thing now is to obtain coats ! 

THOMAS. Nothing easier ! Give me some money, and 
I shall soon return with a coat in the latest style in which 
I can make a fine appearance ! 

RICHARD. Let's divide ! Each may have two dollars 
and fifty cents ; the remainder we'll keep in the fund for 
household expenses. 

THOMAS. Quick! Give me the money and I'm gone. 

[Exit Thomas. 

RICHARD. Wait; I'll go with you. [Starts to follow 
him, but Wolfgang holds him back.] And where's my 
money ? 

RICHARD. Why. I forgot! Here, my son. [Hands 
him money.] Now let me go. [Exit Richard. 

WOLFGANG. Two dollars and fifty cents! What a 
pity to spend it! Had I only not parted with my coat! 
[Puts on his hat.] I know where I can buy one cheap. 

[Exit Wolfgang. 

THOMAS [behind the scene]. Hello, Wolfgang! 

WOLFGANG [behind the scene]. Don't stop me; I 
have no time. 

[Thomas enters the room with Isaac. The latter has 
over his arm the coat he bought from Wolfgang.] 

ISAAC. If only de shentleman in the dark passagevay 
his head does nod break. He hears and sees nodings ; like 
a madman he runs. 

THOMAS. No danger ; his head's too hard ! 

ISAAC [aside]. Dis room look so familiar as ven I 
had joost boughd a coat from dis shentleman. 

THOMAS. Really, my good man, I was lucky to meet 
you. I was on my way to buy a coat. 

ISAAC. Veil, indeed you vas lucky. Here I haf a coat, 
veil, a — vhat shall I say? — a real shentleman's coat. 
[Aside]. If de udder yoong man comes, vhat den? 

THOMAS. Do you think it will fit? 

ISAAC. You joost dry it on; my coats alvays are a 
goot fit. 



14 THE LAST COAT. 

THOMAS [puts on the coat]. It seems to be a little 
tight. 

ISAAC [helping him with the coat]. Vhat for you 
shpeak of dighd? A new coat musd nod hang like a meal 
bag. 

THOMAS. It seems to cut in the arm hole. 

ISAAC. Vhat for you shpeak of cudding? Dond you 
see it is new and de seams are veil sewed ! Joost like mid 
new shoes, dey vill stretch. Sooch a fine coat it is. und 
you looks joost like a nobleman mid it on! 

THOMAS. But it seems 

ISAAC [drawing the coat together in front]. If you 
joost could see yourself ! Dere is nod a wrinkle in de back, 
and in frond dat fits like vax ! 

THOMAS. Well, if you think 

ISAAC. If I dink — veil. I should know my beezness, 
and it's my beezness to know dat a coat fits ! 

THOMAS. What is the price? 

ISAAC. Veil, for you I vill make it sheap. I vill make 
it dree dollars fifty, and you haf a gread bargain ! 

THOMAS. What ! Three dollars and a half for a sec- 
ond-hand coat? 

ISAAC. If dat coat vas new it vould be sheap at ten 
dollars. Veil, vhat vill you gif ? 

THOMAS. At the most, two dollars. 

ISAAC. Oh! Moses und de brophets! bud I can't lose 
my moneys on it. I bayed more den dat myself for dis 
coat. Gif me, den, dree dollars. 

THOMAS. Not a penny more than two dollars. 

ISAAC. Indeed, und mine is a loosing beezness. Veil, 
gif me two dollars and a half. 

THOMAS. Two dollars. 

ISAAC. How can I lif mid sooch bargains? I loose my 
moneys ! 

THOMAS. Hurry and decide. 

ISAAC. Dond lose your batience. my young shentle- 
man. Joost make it two twenty-five. 

THOMAS. No; if you don't wish to sell it [Starts 

to take off the coat.] 

ISAAC [quickly]. No, no; dond dake it off. I vill do 
a goot deed und sell midout brofit. 

THOMAS [handing him money]. Here are two dollars. 

ISAAC. Veil, you haf made one goot bargain ! Ven 
you haf somedings vhat you vant to sell joost come to 
old Isaac. I bays de highest brizes. I lif joost around 
de corner to de lefd, de second shop. Bud dond make no 
misdake; to de righd and to de lefd of me lif also some 



THE LAST COAT. 1 5 

cash clo'es dealers, bud dey vill cheat you like Jews. Bud 
you come to Isaac ; he vill dreat you like a Christian and 
bay de highest brizes. Und if you vant to buy again a 
fine coat, joost come to me. No one can sell so sheap as 
me — so goot und so sheap. Joost you come alvays to 
Isaac. [Exit Isaac. 

THOMAS [alone]. It is a little uncomfortable; I can 
barely move my arms. Still, one can't expect a new coat 
for two dollars. Now, at least, I can appear before people 
again ! 

[Richard enters, wearing the coat which formerly 
belonged to Thomas ; the coat is somewhat tight and 
the sleeves too short.] 

RICHARD. Well, I am thankful that business is over! 

THOMAS. Are you also provided for? 

RICHARD. Yes; the coat's a little tight. But I had 
no time to be too particular, and besides, one can't expect 
a rlew coat for two dollars. 

THOMAS. That is what I paid for mine. 

RICHARD. After all, it is cheap. 

THOMAS. Yes, when we received sixty cents and 
more for our shabby old coats ! 

RICHARD. Yes; think of it! 

[Enter Wolfgang, wearing Richard's coat, which is 
much too large in every way.] 

WOLFGANG. Why, you are already back. It did not 
take you long to find coats. 

THOMAS and RICHARD [laughing]. What a sight 
you are ! 

WOLFGANG. Have I not a noble appearance? The 
coat is somewhat generous in its proportions, but the 
dealer thought it more practical to have it a little large, 
as I may grow stouter — especially as we're invited to have 
something to eat to-night ! 

THOMAS. Most sensible! 

WOLFGANG. It certainly looks better than the shabby 
thing I sold for eighty cents. 

RICHARD. Well, it is somewhat worn, of course. 
[Examines Wolfgang's coat more closely.] Look at the 
spots. [Astonished.] Why, what does this mean? [Ex- 
amines the inside.] Well, I never! [Laughs aloud.] 

WOLFGANG. What is the matter? 

RICHARD. What did you pay for it? ■ 

WOLFGANG. Two and a quarter. 



l6 THE LAST COAT. 

RICHARD. Well, Wolfgang, writer of tragedies, such 
a thing could only happen to you ! He has bought my coat ! 

WOLFGANG. What? 

RICHARD. I sold it owing to its age and shabbiness 
for sixty cents, and he buys it back as new for two dollars 
and twenty-five cents! Oh! [Laughing loud.] 

WOLFGANG. He wouldn't sell it any cheaper. 

RICHARD. Mine is a different bargain. Feel this ma- 
terial. 

THOMAS [examining the coat Richard has on]. My 
coat! 

RICHARD. What ! 

THOMAS. And I was so glad to be rid of it ! 

RICHARD. You're mistaken, man! 

THOMAS. My coat, as sure as I'm living! 

RICHARD [sinking into a chair]. Oh, what a miserable 
creature I am! 

THOMAS. What unpractical fellows you are! Even 
if my coat is a little tight, it has at least quite an elegant 
appearance ; besides, it already feels more comfortable, and 
I can move my arms quite well. [Moving his arms.] I 
can feel it stretching, as the old fellow said it would. 
[Turns, with his back to the audience ; the back seam of 
the coat is entirely ripped open.] 

WOLFGANG and RICHARD [laughing]. Ha! ha! ha! 

THOMAS. What are you laughing about? 

RICHARD. Take your coat off; it's stretching too fast ! 

THOMAS [taking off the coat]. What's the matter 
with it? [Sees the ripped seam.] What a cheat! No 
wonder it stretched! Wolfgang, you can sew. Do make 
the necessary repairs! 

WOLFGANG. Hand it to me ; I'll take pity on you. 

THOMAS. [Hands him the coat.] You're a good fel- 
low. 

WOLFGANG [examining the coat, starts, and then 
says, as though deeply touched]. Well, here it's back 
again ! 

THOMAS and RICHARD. What's back? 

WOLFGANG. My coat — the inheritance of my father. 

RICHARD. Well, we're all in the same box. 

THOMAS. Mend the coat and keep it. 

WOLFGANG. Yes, I will gladly keep it. [Taking off 
the coat he wears.] Here, Richard, take your old, shabby 
coat back. [Sits down tailor-fashion on the table and 
mends his own.] 

THOMAS. Yes, and give me back mine before some- 
thing happens to it. 



THE LAST COAT. 



17 



RICHARD. It's a shame! I was so glad to be rid 
of my old coat, and that unlucky fellow must needs buy it 
back ! 

THOMAS. And for such a nice sum of money ! 

RICHARD. At least we have the necessary clothes, 
once more. 

THOMAS. My hat has gone to the mischief. 

RICHARD. So has mine. We'll have to go rent a 
couple of hats for to-night ! 

THOMAS. Then, at least, we will go in respectable 
hats to Judge Smith's ! 

RICHARD. It is high time we went. Tne Judge will 
be delighted with my appetite ! 

WOLFGANG. Children, my coat is finished. [Puts 
it on.] 

THOMAS [helping him]. Be careful lest it rip again! 

RICHARD. And don't eat too much. Your coat won't 
stand it as well as mine. 

WOLFGANG. Don't worry. I shall leave it unbut- 
toned. 

RICHARD. Forward now, and may a new life begin 
for us after this dreadful day — a life full of work, fame 
and wealth ! 

WOLFGANG. At least I hope we shall have a dinner 
every day. 

RICHARD. I wish it also, from the bottom of my heart. 
Now, forward, march ! 

[All three march off. arm in arm, singing: 

Forward, with courage renewed ! 

Forget the bitter past ! 
Forward, with courage renewed ! 

Our luck must turn at last!] 



[End.] 



A WHITE LIE* Comedy In Two Acts for Young Ladies. By ELLA 
KEATINGE. Price, per Copy, 30 cents. Five Copies for $1.00. 

CHARACTERS 

Mrs. Margaret Payne. & Mademoiselle de Bassano, 

LAURA. Her Daughter. $ A Teacher of French. 

Mrs. Margaret Andrews. 4 Mmh. Jones, A Dressmaker. 

Florence, Her Daughter. $ Mary, Mrs. Payne's Maid. 

Florence is led into telling a " White L,ie " in excuse for not having 
done her French exercise. In consequence she is forced in a manner 
most amusing for the audience, but most perplexing for Florence, to 
tell a number of untruths to guard against being found out, placing 
herself in the most ludicrous positions, with disastrous consequences. 
Mademoiselle de Bassano's part is much intermixed with French. A 
refined and most enjoyable play. 

CARNIVAL; or, Mardi Gras in New Orleans. 

Comedy in One Act for Young Ladies. Adapted from the French by 
DOROTHY REYNARTZ. Price, per Copy, 30 cents. Five Copies 
for $1.00. 

Characters 

Mrs. Smith, Washerwoman. * Alice, I _ . , ., _. _ _., 

_ , ,, " . * o l Fashionable Young Ladles. 

Emily, Her Daughter. £ Bessie,' * 

Mrs. Allison. x Priscilla.) _, . 

NELLIE, Her Daughter. f CQRNELIA, J Elder,y Ma ' dS - 

In order to swell their scant income, Emily persuades her mother 
to let their room to strangers coming to town to see the festivities. 
She receives more demands for her room than anticipated and their 
one room is in the course of events let to different parties at once. The 
complications arising when the various parties arrive to take posses- 
sion and to retire for the night, are very laughable. 

FLIRTATION CURED. Farce Comedy in One Act (Male 

Characters.) By FRANCIS LESTER. Price, per Copy. 30 cents. 
Five Copies for $1.00. 

Characters 

.. . _,. , ~ , ^ ifr Bernard, 1 

Meyer, An Llderly Dude. * r> ... , ... , c . 

_ •? PAUL, ^ I n Ashley s Employ 

Ashley, Dentist. * . j v j 

^ John, ) 

Meyer has been annoying Ashley's daughter by persistent attempts 
to flirt with her. Acting under instructions her servants lure the un- 
fortunate Meyer, who is made to believe thr.t he is going to a rendez- 
vous with her, into her father's office. Ashley, ignorant of all this, sees 
in Meyer's protestations nothing but a fidgety patient, and succeeds in 
extracting some of Meyer's teeth in spite of all resistance. The play is 
uproariously funny. 



THE LAST COAT. Comedy In One Act. (Male Character*.) 
By JOHN EDGCOME. Price, per Copy. 30 sents. Flv* Coplet 
for $1.00. 

CHARACTERS 

Thomas Dana. Painter. ^ Wolfgang Goeth, Poet 

Rk hard Wagneer. Musician. £ Jones, Landlord. 

ISAAC. Old Clothes Dealer. 
Three youug artists in reduced circumstances find themselves at 
last without even a penny to buy some food. Their efforts to obtain 
tame edibles on credit end disastrously. Isaac appears as helping 
hand, and each of the three without knowledge of the others, sells his 
coat to him. When they meet in their shirt sleeves, an invitation arrives 
from a wealthy man who offers them his protection. The way how 
they get to their coats is very entertaining. 

A CUP OF COFFEE Comedy In one Act for Young L*dle», 
by DOROTHY REYNARTZ. Price, per Copy, 30 cents. Fiv« 
Copies for $1.00. 

CHARACTERS 

Mws. Mathilda Ryan. * A Peddler-woman. 

Mrs. R< )Sb O'Brien. T A Lady, Collector for Aid SocUty. 

I riend. 4 Another Lady. 

Ji NMK, Mathilda's Maid. £ A Cobbler's Win:. 

T\v< > Children. 

Mathilda returning home finds that Alice has sent her some genu- 
ine Moeha-CoffVe. She has at once some prepared, but is prevented 
from enjoying it by a succession of annoying callers, presenting very 
funny incidents. When at last relieved of all unwelcome company, 
another disappointment awaits her in place of the anticipated delec- 
tation. A number of really enjoyable scenes are woven around the 
plot. 

IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO MEND, comedy 

In one Act for Young Ladles. By DOROTHY REYNARTZ. Price, 
per Copy, 25 cents- Three Copies for 50 cents. 



Characters 

Grace, Age 16, j S|ster$ 
Esther, Age 18, > 
Hazel, Chambermaid. 

Grace is a spoiled child with a good heart, who responds to the advice 
of her elder sister with stubbornness, At length she repents and is for- 
given. A thoroughly enjoyable play, affording splendid opportunity 
for emotional acting, especially in Grace's part. 



TWO MOTHERS* Drama In Four Acts, by DOROTHY REY- 
NARTZ. Price, per Copy, 35 cents. Seven Copies for $1.50. 

Characters 



Hildegard, countess of Taunberg, 

A Widow. 
Adelheid, Her Daughter. 
Elizabeth, Hlldegard's Sister. 
Margaret, Wife of the Bailiff of 

Castle Taunberg. 
Bertha, Her Daughter. 



Christina, \ Young girls, serving in 
Agnes, / Castle Taunberg. 
The Blessed Virgin. 
Two Angels. 
The Queen of Tunis. 
Two of her Court Ladies 
Servant Girls, Court-Ladies. 
Etc. 



Adelheid, accompanied by Bertha, goes with many other young 
girls on a pilgrimage to the shrine of Our Lady of L,oretto. While at 
sea the girls are captured by African pirates, and given over to the 
Queen of Tunis. The Queen sets them all free with the exception of 
Adelheid, whose devotion to, and trust in, the Blessed Virgin angers the 
Queen . By a highly dramatic incident Adelheid is at last miraculously 
rescued through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin. Young Toadies' 
Sodalities will find this and the following play specially suited to their 
needs. 



ST, ELIZABETH OF THURINGIA; or, the 

Miracle of Roses. A Legendary Drama in Five Acts, by 
ELIZABETH POLDING. Price, per Copy, 35 cents. Seven Copies 

for $1.50. 



.Characters. 



KuNIGUNDE, A Peasant's Wife. 

Trudchen. \ _.„. 

v Her Children. 



Poor Women. 




Elizabeth, Landgravine of Thurln- 

gia. 
Sophie, Her Mother-in-law. 
ROSAMUND, Countess of Falkenstein. 
Bertha, "1 

Hading, Y Ladies in Waiting. 
Emma. J 

The Castle-Bailiff. 
WlBORAD. Maid-Servant, 
A Messenger, a Hermit, An Angel, The Empress, A Herald, Young 
Girls Clad. in White, Etc. 

St. Elizabeth, beloved by the poor, whom she feeds and clothes, is 
persecuted by her cruel and ambitious mother-in-law, who plots to 
obtain Elizabeth's crown. The bailiff, Sophie's tool, is employed to 
watch Elizabeth's steps, but when he accuses her of having stolen the 
food which she gives to the poor, the contents of her basket is found 
to be miraculously turned into beautiful roses. The empress, hearing 
of Sophie's treachery, comes to Elizabeth's assistance, re-instates her to 
power and punishes Sophie. The play is full of dramatic incident. 



HARD OF HEARING. Comedy In one Act for Youn* 
Ladles, by OLGA STEINER. Price, per Copy, 25 cents. Three 
Copies for 50 cents. 

Characters 

Daisy, Directress pro temp, ] Pupils of 

Lou, Niece of Mrs. Everett, f Mrs. Everett's 
ROSE, New Pupil. ) Boarding School. 

Mrs. Everett has appointed Daisy directress pro temp, during her 
absence, much to the chagrin of I^ou, who by virtue of her relation- 
.ship, thiuks herself entitled to that office. Daisy finds occasion to ad- 
monish L,ou. Just then Rose, a new pupil, arrives, and in order to get 
her revenge Lou informs Rose that Daisy is quite deaf, telling Daisy 
the same story about Rose. This results in very laughable efforts on 
part of each of these two, to make themselves understood by the other, 
both of them at the same time inwardly resenting the supposed rude- 
ness of the other. The play develops most comical situations and winds 
up with l,ou getting her just dues. 

THE SKELETON IN THE CLOSET, a comedy 

In One Act by FRANCIS LESTER. Price, per Copy. 30 cents. 
Five Copies for $1.00. 

Characters 

Mr. Smith, Senator. 
Beatrice. His Wife. 
LlVEWELL JONES, Merchant. 
Anna, His Wife. 
Mr. Jones' Clerk. 

Mr. Jones and his young bride return home from their wedding 
tour. Jones had not yet revealed to his wife the secret of the family 
skeleton and is in dread lest she discover it ; yet he has not the courage 
to speak to her about it. Meanwhile his wife hears queer rumors, 
which at first alarm her, but by tact, courage and confidence in her 
husband she discovers the very innocent little skeleton and all ends 
happily. 

HOUSEHOLD AFFAIRS; or, A Cause for Di- 
vorce A Comedy In One Act by JOSEPH ROSETTI. Price , 

per Copy, 30 cents. Four Copies for 75 cents. 

Characters 

Benedict Brown. * Samuel Martin, \ Eugenia's 

Eugenia, His Wife. * lSABELLA.His Wife. / Foster Parents. 

Benedict refuses flatly to allow his wife to take her parents into 
their home. The two ladies feel ^uch insulted at that, and Isabella 
advises Eugenia how to get cause for divorce by vexing Benedict to a 
degree that he would strike her, with Martin and his wife waiting in an 
adjoining room to be witnesses to the assault. When, however, they 



Doctor Alfred Brown. 
Mr. White, Lawyer. 
Mrs. Goodcheer, Mr. Jones' 
Housekeeper. 



HOUSEHOLD AFFAIRS (Continued): 

WOuld-be witnesses rush in at the sound of a blow, they are surprised 
by the fact that Eugenia, enraged at Benedict's coolness, has struck 
him. All ends in happiness, but Martin vows by himself to try the 
experiment with Isabella. Very witty dialogue and lively action. The 
play is always received with storms of applause. 

THE FORTUNE HUNTERS; or, Lost and 

Found* Comedy in Two Acts. Price, per Copy, 30 cents. Five 



Copies for $1. 



Characters 

Mr. Barry O'Brief, Lawyer. 
Jacob Elderly, Of the Society of 

Friends. 
Mr. Sawney Oatkake, Laird of 

Glencanniboy. 
Barney. 



Miss Honora Devereux. 

Lady Kilcock. 

Molly, Honora's Maid. 

Captain Jack de Lacey. 

Sir Lancelot Bagnal. 

Mr. Andrew Merry, Honora's 

Guardian. 

Honora is besieged by many suitors, who, she fears, are attracted 
by her wealth. To test their faith she is going to tell them that her 
fortune was lost in a bank failure. She confides her plan to Molly, 
who in turn gives the secret away to Barney, from whom Captain 
L^acey learns the story. The latter is much chagrined at being sus- 
pected with the rest, and when Honora apprises them all of her al- 
leged misfortune, he leaves her as well as her other suitors, much to the 
grief of Honora, who is really in love with him. In a cleverly worked 
succession of events the lovers meet again with the usual end. Barnej' 
and Mollie furnish some highly amusing scenes. 

HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY, comedy m 

Four Acts. (Male Characters.) By RUPERT HOUSE. Price, per 
Copy, 30 cents. Five Copies for $1.00. 

Characters 

Mr. Strong, Retired Gentleman. .* First Customer. 
Charles. His Nephew. -j- Second Customer. 

Harry, Charles' Friend. \\ Physician. ' 

Mr. Buckley,) Of Adams & Buck- *\ Policeman. 
Mr. Adams > ley, Dry Goods. & 

Charles, an honest young fellow, carries his love of truth beyond 
prudent limits, despite his friend's protestations. This leads to a wager 
that Charles will yet suffer the direst consequences for his imprudent 
actions. Harry's prophecy comes true, as Charles is in turn disin- 
herited by his uncle, discharged by his employers, discarded by his 
fiancee, and on the point of being taken to al^unatic Asylum, when res- 
cued by Harry, who explains all. The affair ends to everybody's sat- 
isfaction and Charles is re-instated in all his rights. 



A WEB OF LIES. A Comedy in One Act by JOHN EDO 

COME. Price, per Copy, 30 cents. Five Copies for $1.00. 

Characters 

Hknry CLAY, Retired Merchant. # EuPHROSINE, Clay's Aunt 
Anna, His Wife. * % Leo Miller, the Family Physici-n. 

ELIZA, Her Friend. %. JOHN STONE. 

Elmira Green. 
Eliza visits her friend, Mrs. Anna, and in order to be guarded 
against would-be suitors, she is introduced by Mrs. Anna as a married 
woman. This necessitates a succession of untruths to make good the 
first one. When Eliza falls in love with the doctor the situation be- 
comes as embarrassing for her f as amusing for the audience. At last 
she is disentangled from the Web of Ljes, the end being the usual en- 
gagement. 

PLEASANT WEDDING GUESTS, a comedy i„ 

Three Acts by FANNY RITCHIE. Price, per Copy, 30 cents. Five 
Copies for $1.00. 

Characters 

Benjamin Strom;, Mayor. £ Thomas, Their Son. 

Mary. His Wife. ? John Hill, of Forest Hill, Adiron- 

ELIZABETH.) _,_ , _. . A + dacks. 

Anna. J Their Daughters. | Mrs . Goo denough. 

Mr. Hopper. 
The Mayor's daughter is to be married, when an aunt of Mr. 
Strong, a peevish old maid, and an aged uncle of the bridegroom make 
unexpectedly their appearance as wedding guests. They succeed in 
making themselves a grievous nuisance. At length thej' recognize 
each other as old friends, and the old uncle is skillfully led by the 
susceptible spinster to propose marriage to her. A very amusing 
comedv . , 

THE NEW SQUIRE. Comedy In One Act. By FRANCIS 

MCENROE. Price, per Copy, 35 cents. Five Copies for;$i.25. 



.CHARACTERS- 



Baron OF Blrgen. •$ Fred, His Ward and Nephew. 

Francis. His Valet. f Herman, > Peasants 

The Mayor. £ Conrad, ( 

Peasants. 
The Baron of Bergen, while on the way to take possession of a large 
domain, fallen to him by inheritance, is detained and sends his valet 
ahead. The peasants of the domain mistake the valet for the Baron. 
The valet vastly flattered and pleased at the honors offered him, keeps 
up the delusion, and brings about a pretty state of affairs, when at the- 
critical moment, the impostor is unmasked by the arrival of the real 
Baron, 



THE DAWN OF REDEMPTION ; or, The 
Adoration, of the Magi Kings, a Christmas Pu y 

in Four Acts by ELIZABETH POLDING. Price, per Copy. 30 
cents. Eight Copies for $1.50. 

CHARACTERS 

First Shepherd. 
Second Shepherd. 
Goas, A Singer. 
Slave. 



Gaspard, I Men the 

Melchior. }■ £ast 
Balthasar, j 
The Virgin Mary 



Saint Joseph. *| First Jew 



The Infant Jesus. 

The King Herod. 

The King's Favorite Page. 

The Angel Gabriel. 



Second Jew . 

Shepherds, Judges, High 

Priests. Guards, Angels, 

Populace. 



A Christmas Play, which is somewhat more pretentious than the 
general run of what is offered under this name. It lias a clever plot 
and interesting dialogue, and is interspersed with vocal and instru- 
mental (Piano) selections, the vocal numbers to be sung to appropriate 
music. The Court of King Herod, the Magi Kings and their train 
of followers, afford opportunities of staging the play with much 
splendor. Withal it also adapts itself effectively to moderate re- 
sources. 



French Plays. 



Persons in charge of Institutes and Young Ladies' Circles, must b* familiar 
■with the difficulty of meeting with short French plays, fitted in all respects to 
be read or acted by young ladies. The publishers have been induced to publish 
(if nv plays that will be found to be just as suitable for at ting, as for reading 
with divided parts in French classes. 

SUZANNE. Com€dle en un Acte. Price, per Copy, 40 cents. Six 
Copies for $1.50, 

PERSONNAGES 

Mme. BELESMES. * AGATHE. Cousine d' Elisa. 

Mme. Dervieux. Niece de Mme. -j| Dame Gertrude. Vieille Gouver- 

Belesmes. % nante. 

ELISA. Fille de Mme. Dervieux. % 

LA DEMOISELLE DE COMPAGNDL o*** m 

unActe. Price per Copy, 40 cents. Six Copies for $1.50. 

PERSONNAGES 

Mme. de Keradec. * Mme. Mitonnet. Portiere. 

MLLE Rosalie, Vieille Femme de « CLAIRE, Jeune Femmede Chambre. 
Chambre. * Marie de Keradec. 

Rosalba. 
(Mme. Mitonnet speaks her part in the Briton dialect.) 



Operettas, 



A PEACEFUL ASSAULT. 

Musical Comedy for Boys, in One Act. 

By GEORGE ATHERTON. 

Price, per Copy, Words and Music 50 cent*. 



CHARACTERS. 



* Letter Carriers. Policemen. 
DOBSTON. Mayor of Mokitoville. $ CADETS. CHORUS-BOYS, FlRE- 

John. His Servant. % mkn, A Drum and Fife Corps. 

The Mayor is caudidate for a higher office and his subjects surprise 
him by waiting upon him in delegations, to assure him of their loyalty 
and support. Vhis comedy is specially suited for schools and colleges 
having at disposal a large number of boys. The music is original, 
easy and melodious. The various delegations marching iu to the 
strains of music, or singing spirited sonu*, present a pretty spectacle. 
A very amusing entertainment. 

A COMEDY OF ERRORS ; 
or, The Cousin and the Maid. 

An Operetta for Young Ladies, in One Act. 

By GEORGE ATHERTON. 

Price, per Copy, Words and Music 50 cents. 

CHARACTERS 



Anna is entrusted with the reigns of the household during her 
mother's absence. Both, a cousin, whom she has not met before, and 
the new servant girl, are due just that day, and Anna is unfortunate 
enough in taking one for the other. The situations are highly comical 
The music is easy and pleasing. 

THE DAWN OF REDEMPTION- 

(9ee page 9) 



School and College Plays. 



>X*c 



The stage has at all times been looked upon as a school of morals and the 
lessons conveyed lythe proceedings on the stage, leave deep and lasting impres- 
sions. We may then conclude t hat children's plays, having so much attraction 
and f ascinationf or young audieyices, and affecting deeply their minds, afford 
an excellent means of moral instruction and education. 

Our purpose in publishing a number of children's plays is to supply 
material ivhich will help to impress little hearts and minds with filial lev-:, 
rested of parents and superiors, generosity tozvard the iveak and humble, 
politeness towards all, patriotism, charity, the Sense of duty, and with a true 
understanding of the necessity of -work. 

The moral is however not so pointed as to render the plays dull, on the 
contrary, THE PLOTS ARE CLEVER, THE DIALOGUES BRIGHT, the 
language simple but refined, and the interest well sustained. TJie plays are 
not above the ability and skill of the pupils, and have stood the test of perforin - 
ancewith success; they are NEW AND ORIGINAL, 

Note I. The age, indicated with a character, is a suggestion as to age of 
child suited for the part. 

Note 2. In every play any number of children may be added for effective 
grouping;, etc. 



FOUR SHORT PLAYS FOR CHILDREN. b> hi la 



KEATINGE. Price, per Copy so cents. 



J. The Little Magician. 

CHARACTERS 

The Magician (Age 12). 
Little Tom (Age 5). 
A Number of Little Boys ancHiirls, 
ages from 6 to 10. 

2, The Sick Doll. 

CHARACTERS 

Josephine, The Mother (Age 9). 
ANNA, The Nurse (Age 7). 
The Doctor (Age 8) . 
Victoria. The Doll. 



3. The Nightingale and the 

Lark. 

CHARACTERS 

The Nightingale (Age B). 

The Lark (Age 7). 

Several Children, Ages from 6 to 8. 

4. A Christmas Eve Ad- 

venture. 

CHARACTERS 

Jones, A Barber (Age n). 
Mrs. Jones (Age 10). 
Clerk (Age 9). 
Doctor (Age 13). 
; Lady Customer (Age 12). 



AT THE FIRE SIDE ; or, Little Bird Blue. 

A Play for Children in Three Acts. By ELIZABETH POLDING. 
Price, per Copy, 25 cents. Three Copies. 50 cents. 



CHARACTERS. 



Aunt Rachel, (Age & ELlZABETH.Her Grand-niece (Age 7.) 

ROBERT. Her Grand-nephew (Age 6). •£ POSTMAN (Age 9). 
Peter, A Servant (Age 9). 
The curtain rises upon a pretty scene, Aunt Rachel seated in an 
easy chair, Robert at her feet reading aloud from a book, Elizabeth 
dressing her doll. The children get tired of all this and torment 
Auntie to tell them one of her own stories. The postman brings a let- 
ter from father. Meanwhile Peter makes himself a general nuisance 
in a very amusing manner Altogether a lovely picture of family life. 

THE LITTLE DAUGHTER OF THE REGI- 
MENT. A Play for Children. In Two Acts. By JOSEPH 
ROSETTI. Price, per Copy, 25 cents. Five Copies for 75 cents. 

fHARACTERS 

Virginia, The Little Daughter of the * Lieutenant Wood, of Roosevelt's 

Regiment (Age 8). v Rough Riders (Age 13) 

Tom, Drummer Boy (Age 7). % BERNARD, A Farmer (Age 14) 

Some Farmers and Their Wives. %. Ursula, his Wife (Age 13) 

Virginia, when a baby, was picked up by lieutenant Wood after a 
skirmish with Indians, left by them at the roadside. Ever since she 
has been with the soldiers, and is now with them on the way to Santi- 
ago. The troop halts for the night, and Virginia, Wood and Tom find 
lodging with Farmer Bernard. The farmer tells them of his only son 
who died a soldier's death while fighting the Indians. In a cleverly 
worked and touching climax it develops that Virginia is Bernard's 
granddaughter. A very effective tableau with singing concludes the 
play. 

THE OLD TRUNK IN THE GARRET. 

A Play for Children. In Two Acts. By ELLA KEATINGE. 
v Price, per Copy, 25 cents. Three Copies, 50 cents. 

CHARACTERS 

Mrs Schuyler, Mother of the | Andrew. 1 Mrs . Schuyler . s Cnild _ 

Children (Age ,4). £ RICHARD. / ^ g 

Julia, Nurse (Age 12). £ Emily, \ 

? to 10.) 

Little Joe, (Ages.) •£? ANNA J 

The children sit together on a rainy day, much disappointed *._at 
the promised outing had to be postponed. They do not know how to 
pass the time, until one happens to think of the old trunk in the gar- 
ret, which contains old costumes, relic9 of their ancestors. Mother 
gives permission to fetch down the trunk, and a jolly masquerade fol- 
lows. I,ittle Joe, who furnishes much fun, is transformed into a dear 
little page. The play ends with a very pretty tableau. 



IN THE FOREST, A Play for Children. In Three \cts. H> 
JOSEPH ROSETTI. 

Price, per Copy, 25 cents. Three Copies, so cent> 

CHARACTERS 

Ella (Age ?J. * Alice, His Daughter (Age 8). 

JOSEPH (Age 8). £ Mrs - Brown. Grandmother of Alice 

A F0RE6TER )Age 10). X (Age 13). 

Mr. Brown (Age 12). % Mary. The Maid (Age 9). 

Ella and Joseph, two poor children, are gathering firewood in the 
forest, when the forester comes across them, and drags them along to 
his master, Mr. Brown. Mrs. Brown and Alice take pit}' on the child- 
ren and comfort them. Upon learning of the destitute condition of 
the poor children's mother, a widow, Mr. Brown arranges that care 
be taken of mother and children, and all, even the grim old forester, 
join in showing them their sympathy. A touching play, supplying an 
excellent lesson in practical charity. 

THE LITTLE BAKER. A Play for Children in Two 
Acts. By ELLA KEATINGE. Price, per Copy. 25 cents. Three 
Copies, 50 cents. 

CHARACTERS 



Baker (Age 9). * Two Little Boys, 1 /A 

Nurse (Age 10). S Two Little Girls, / (Ages 6 and 7 > 

The little baker is making dough, the while he explains his fond- 
ness for baking. The nurse comes in, ordering cake for a children's 
party. The party is however sorely disappointed through the little 
baker's fondness for cake. "When at last the cake arrives, in a very 
unsatisfactory condition, the wretched little baker frankly confesses 
his fault, and is finally forgiven. The party winds up with singing. 

THE LEGEND OF THE CHRISTMAS 

TREE A p,a y Ior Children in Three Acts. By ELLA KEAT- 
INGE. Price, per Copy, 25 cents. Three Copies for -;o rents. 

CHARACTERS 

JOSEPH, An Aged Shoemaker (Age £ Jack, His Little Grand-son (Age 8). 

*»)• « LouiSA,HlsGrand-daughter(Age 7 ). 

Martha, A Neighbor (Age 10). 

Joseph and Martha are worried about the long absence of the 
children on a cold winter evening. At length the children arrive, 
having some surprises for the old man from kind friends. Joseph 
tells the children of olden Christmas times and Christmas customs. 
In the second act the children tell each other their dreams about a 
little Christmas tree. Joseph is meanwhile secretly fixing up a tree 
for them, and when on Christmas morning the children come home 
from church they find Santa Claus has left them a beautiful little tree, 
around which all gather and sing tuneful Christmas Carols. 



A HARMONIOUS FAMILY. A Play for Children in 
Three Acts. By ELIZABETH POLDING. Price, per Copy. 25 cents. 
Three Copies for 50 cents. 

CHARACTERS 

"^ZXS'Sr**: --,. , Imaw'e. (Mrs. Astor's Chiidren 



m Robert, (Ages 7 to 10) 

Mrs. ASTOR. His Niece (Age 12). 



Bridget, His Housekeeper (Age 11). 

H Jack. J 

Uncle Jack, an old bachelor, is much devoted to music and his 
CStiary. His collection of musical instruments is the despair of 
Bridget, who cannot keep them clein and bright enough to satisfy he; 
master. Mrs. Astor and her children come unexpectedly on a visit and 
Uncle Jack is disconsolate at the prospect of having so many noisy 
children around. He is pleasantly surprised, however, when he dis- 
covers that the children are gifted with musical talents. The comedy 
concludes with singing. Splendid opportunity is offered tointersperse 
the play with vocal and instrumental selections, trom behind the 
scenes or on the stage. A very interesting and amusing play. 



"A TREASURE TROVE FOR TEACHERS/' 

The Ave Maria, 

"AMUSING AND EXCELLENT/' 

The Catholic News. 



NEW MUSICAL DRILLS 

AND 

HUMOROUS ACTION SONGS 

For BOYS and GIRLS. 



Suitable Words. Pleasing Airs. Full Directions and Diagrams, 

NOVEL, AMUSING, AND EFFECTIVE. 
For Schools and Entertainments. 



ARRANGED BY RICHARD HARDMAN 
Price, Complete, $1.00. 



TOPSY-TURVY SONG, — A Novel and Pleasing Action 

Song and Drill. 
THE MIRROR DRILL,— Musical Bxercise. 
MY UNCLE'S FARM, — Humorous Action Song, with 

Chorus. 
OUR BOOTBLACK BRIGADE, — Character Song, with 

Chorus. 
UNCLE SAM'S LITTLE DRUM-BOYS,- Character Song, 

with Action and Chorus. 
INDIAN CLUB DRILL, OR TAMBOURINE DRILL. 
LITTLE LETTER CARRIERS— Humorous Action Song, 

with Chorus. 
THE CHILDREN'S FROLIC,— Vocal Gavotte, Chorus and 

Dance. 
THE PEDLAR, — Amusing Character Sketch, Action Song 

and Chorus. 
THE MERRY DAIRYMAIDS, — Character Song, with 

Action and Chorus. 
OUR BABY,— Musical Recitation for very little Children, 

Solo and Chorus. 
RECESS DRILL,— Humorous and Lively. 
MUSICAL FLAG DRILL, OR FAN DRILL. 
THE RAINBOW RIBBON DRILL. 
UNCLE SAM'S JOLLY TARS —Action Song, with Chorus. 



NEW MUSieHL DRILLS 

AND 

HUMOROUS ACTION SONGS 

For BOYS and GIRLS. 
FOR SCHOOLS AND ENTERTAINMENTS. 

Arranged by RICHARD HARDMAN. 
Price, $1 .00. 



c^ 



Uncle Sam's Jolly Tars. 

^Action Song with Chorus for Boys or Girls, 




I S.i jol - ly, Jol-lyl.r^com. . • .hort.r. w*,w«ve.«.,i woo nyeio «n. 
S.Yo» Vnowihevr:.Llusi«rt , Vh*n»*Vc on the »*», The thip » tn,n< hiuitb* 
1/w. of . ten. on the •*• feel I dregful suilm.Andbul the ship can 




& 



tP V 



'Our Baby." 

ORecitation, Solo with Chorus J 
Directions. 



The Recitation and Solo should be taken by as small a girl as possible 
The Chorus refrain should be sung very softly throughout, and is most 

^roteTwrp. n rt% C Vr? P ."'flib!e, the * and 2"«l treble oarts should be 
taken, with the exception of the last two bars, when the 2 ".a trebles 
should take the two bars given in the copy to the contraltos.In this case 
the piano should be used. , . _ . „ . 

The spirit of the words will readily suggest-to the teacher the"way in 
which the piece should be said. 

I. 
Jlecti* You havn't seen our baby yet, he's not been out I know, 
He only came quite lately, just about a month ago,- 
But he's such a little beauty, with a pretty dimpled chin. 
Mis eyes are blue as can be, and so soft and white his skin; 
He's going to be my brother, and Ira very very glad, 
I shall have' a little playmate when he gets a bigger lad. 
But at present he does little else than lie and sleep all day> 
And often when Ira noisy, X can hear my mother say: 




Jl?e U/izard Series 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

016 215 133 2 1 



OF 



PLAYS 



JPlays for Young Ladies. 
Plays for Children. 
French Plays. 
Operettas. 



Plays for Young Men. 
Plays for Mixed Characters* 
Musical Drills and 
Recitations. 



For Young Peopled Societies, Dramatic 'and Singing Clubs, 
Churches, Schools and Institutions. 

^* t^* t^* 

PUBLISHED BY 

Cbe Roxbtiry Publishing Go., 

7 BIBLE HOUSE (Fourth Ave.) 



P. O. BOX 1 870. 



NEW YORK. 



t^* t^* t^* 



The Plays published by us ure new and copyrighted, they can be 
staged easily and effectively in any hall or parlor. They are for the most 
part of humorous tendency, full of entertainment, and will if tolerably well 
acted, delight any audience. 

Strict PROPRIETY and REFINEMENT are essentials without which 
play is admitted to the WIZARD SERIES. Nothing in the lea?t offensive 
•als, or religious convictions, will be found in any cf these plays. 

rder to save the TROUBLESOME COPYING OF PARTS, and 
'convenient, correct and easy memorizing, a small number of copies, 
Jmg to the number of principal characters, is offered of each play at 
r CED PRICE. In no other way or form can any reduction be made 
•ices in this list. c 

SE WHO RECEIVE EXTRA CATALOGUES, KINDLY HAND THEM 
IS. 



